Enemies to "I found you while hurt and had to take care of you and in your vulnerable state I saw a side of you I've never seen before" to lovers
{This story will contain bullying, mentions of rape/attempted rape, suicidal thoughts, torture, will go into detail on traumas, orphanage traumas, and things like that. This story is going to be taken slightly light(?) but also will go into details, but not too many details. You have been warned and advised to read to your digression.}
It's been several years since the Mr. Eye incident, and Ratchet and Clank finally got to retire. And a lot has changed for the better. Neftinwas rehabilitated into society again, he's currently helping Pollyx further his interdimensional technologies.
Ratchet and Clank finally made permanent residents on planet Veldin. Where they both work hard as mechanics for those who are in need. They still visit the Phynox when they can. Quark never changed as he still scams people. It's truly baffling how many people forgive him after he turned into a villain.
Talwyn is still doing her dream job. Breaking sex trafficking rings, slave rings, and the occasional Quark doing something stupid or about to commit treason. And Nefarious settle down for the most part. As the only time he acts up in villainy is to annoy Quark and make fun of him.
But there is one person, or she-nether, who struggles with staying in reality. Vendra Prog. Vendra only got worse in prison where they put her under electric therapy to 'help' her. She has a group of pathetic shrinks that tells her she's just acting for attention. It seems impossible for her to get better, until certain lombax steps in.
[Polaris Galaxy, Planet Viceron, Prison Zordoom, Psychiatric Ward, Cell 666, So far down no one can hear you scream]
Guards are armed every 5 feet as camera surveillance was up at every angle possible. Ratchet walked in his usual outfit without his weapons, he left all weapons and gadgets at the last checkpoint. Even Clank stayed behind to be with Aphelion. Staying neutral, Ratchet walked up to another checkpoint, "Arms straight up, legs apart." The security robot says. Another robot beside the first one pops out a bio scanner and scans Ratchet, "You're clear. Cell 666 -The Robot opens the cell door- You have 30 minutes."
Ratchet nods his response and rented the cell. But he stopped short to what he saw. What he saw made his heartbreak, Vendra was chained to the bed in a, once white, hospital gown. Her once long bright, pink hair is now cut short to the shoulders and a dull pink. Her body was so thin Ratchet had to strain his ears just to hear her breath. "Come to tell me I'm faking it again? Or are you going to do electric therapy today?" Her voice was so coarse it barely sounded above a whisper. All that ran through Ratchet's head was how much hell this poor she-nether has been through. And no one is trying to save her.
"No actually, I came to see you." Vendra quickly yanked her head to him, eye barely focusing on a single thing around her, "Well, well. There's a sight for sore eyes. The savior of galaxies, the one who put me in prison, visiting little ole me." Vendra croaked. Her voice getting softer and softer with each syllable to the point Ratchet could barely make out what she was saying. Ratchet slowly made his way over to the bed and sat down. A million thoughts ran through his head as he looked Vendra in the eyes.
Her eyes that once held so much anger are now completely blank and barely focusing. Her once beautiful yellow ambers, now held only uncertainty. As if she was waiting for them to flip the switch. "Actually, Captain Apogee contacted me specifically. She wanted me to talk to you, she mentioned you were faking something to gain sympathy.," He began to slowly reach his hand out to touch the side of her face. But quickly withdrew his hand when he saw her flinch, "But it doesn't make sense to me. So I wanted to hear everything from your mouth, what's wrong?"
For the first time since he entered, Vendra gave a belted laugh. A laugh so loud it echoed in the small cell. A laugh that sounded so insane to someone else, but to Ratchet the laugh was of someone who was desperately fighting. Fighting a war invisible to everyone else. A war that no one was willing to help her with. A war she was miserably losing. It made Ratchet jump off the bed and cover his ears.
"What's wrong, you ask," She looks him directly in the eyes. The first time her eyes focused on him, and it made his heartbreak at the misery in them. "As if you will save me from my own demise. Well, guess what hero, Death is coming for me. And when he does, I'll finally be free from all the pain and misery of living." Vendra slowly lowered her body back to the bed, eyes never leaving Ratchet as he slowly approached her. "So don't waste your time on me anymore. I'm not worth saving anymore."
Ratchet's resolve broke, he fell to his knees in front of her. He remembered when he first met Vendra. She was so full of spite and anger against the universe. But she had such a fire burning in her that was so bright, it looked like it was never going to die. A fire that fueled her ambitions to get what she wants. A fire that pushed her to find her family no matter the cost. A fire that was is slowly dying into an ember. And no one was trying to keep it alive.
"You got 5 more minutes." Ratchet slowly stood up and looked once more at Vendra. Her body was somehow skinner than when he first saw her, twitching with phantom pains no doubt. It was right then and there that Ratchet decided. "I want to make a deal with you." Vendra's body jumped slightly as her eyes locked onto the lombax. "You are wasting your time with me. Just let me die in misery already, it's what I deserve and we both know it."
But Ratchet wouldn't back down. Not until her ember roars into a fire once more. "Give me a year to help you." Vendra scoffed at him as she weakly looked him up and down. It sparked hope in him as he looked into her light ambers. There was a spark of hope that was as fleeting as it came. "It wouldn't matter anyway. There is no way they would let me out, even to go with you. Please just give up already." The cell door opens, "Times up." But Ratchet refuses to abandon her.
"Never. Just please hang in there, I will help you and you will continue living. Just never give up fighting, please." The guards trapped one arm each, "We said times up, now leave willingly or we will use force." But Ratchet wasn't paying attention to them. His eyes were focused on Vendra who just stared at him with a spark of hope. In hope that he can truly help her. In hope that he can end her misery. In hope that he can relight her fire once more, "Promise me you will keep fighting, please!" Ratchet begged. Desperate to keep her alive.
In desperation, she would refuse and be lost to her demons. In hope, she hasn't given up yet. The guards started to drag him out kicking, "We said leave." With every ounce of energy left, Vendra pushed herself up. She and Ratchet locked eyes and it gave Ratchet hope that he wasn't too late. Her fire was growing brighter, although just a simmer, but never leaving. "I promise, hurry-" The door slammed shut. The 2 robots that had him dragged him straight to the top where they threw him on the ground. "Collect your things and leave."
Ratchet wasn't told twice as he rushed to get his things. A million things was running through his mind as he made his way to Aphelion. Mostly the scared look Vendra had before the door closed. He never saw anyone look that afraid in his entire life. It awakened something inside of him. Something he thought he buried a long time ago. An anger for whoever hurt her. To whoever thought it was okay to drive so much pain onto someone that they wished for death. It drove him to righting something that should have been done long ago.
With a look of determination, Ratchet quickly hopped into Aphelion. "Did you figure everything out, Ratchet?" Clank asks as he focused his sensors on his best friend. Clank couldn't put his sensors on it, but he could sense something is wrong with Ratchet. It was subtle. The clench of his fists, the flick of his tail, his jaw set. "Hey, Clank." Said robot snapped out of his observations to focus on his organic. "Yes, Ratchet?"
"Sasha still president or is it Quark?" The question through the little warbot off. But he still answered, "Sasha is. If my memory is correct, Quark is her secretary. May I ask why, Ratchet?" The organic says nothing as he buckled in and started Aphelion. Clank was perplexed of why Ratchet won't give him an answer. Until he saw the look in his eyes. A look he saw many times over the years but still stuns him every time.
The look of determination to save someone. To help an innocent fight back when they cannot themselves. A fire was ignited. And Clank prayed to the Zoni to whoever is on the other side. "It's time to throw in a few favors, pal." Was all Ratchet said as they sped off to Metropolis City. It was then that Clank knew, That someone lit the torch of war. And Ratchet was going to win.
_________________________________________
[Polaris Galaxy, Metropolis City, President's Office]
Quark whistled a tune as he made his way to his desk. The day started amazingly as always in his opinion. Waking up to the sun shining into his condo as he ate a bowl of Frosted Quark-E-O's. The news singing praise of his past adventures like he paid them. A safe commute to work and making fans happy along the way. A great day so far indeed.
Until around noon when a lombax made his way to him. "Ratchet, Clank! My best friends, it's been too long! Say, I'm about to get off. Why don't we hang out?" Quark says. It wasn't until he looked closely at the lombax that he noticed something was off. But he couldn't figure it out. "I wanna throw a favor in Quark. How would you like to save someone?"
Quark lit up, helping someone now will definitely raise his approval rates for the next election. "Why of course Ratchet! No need to throw a favor in. I'll always be here to help. So, who's the lucky sucker that's gonna boost my approval ratings?" Quark asks as he rubs his hands together. Already thinking about how much his rating will go and the endorsement deals he will get.
"First thing first, is Sasha in?" The lombax asks, making Quark think for a minute. "Yes but she's just a woman! You need a big man-HEY!" Ratchet ignored him as he made his way to the doors. But Quark was quick to get in front of him. "You can't just barge in! You need to make an appointment, otherwise, everyone would just barge in! Trust me, I learned from experience. If you need to see her so badly, there will be an opening three years from now!"
"Ratchet, maybe it will be best to-" Clank was stunned in silence as Quark didn't move a muscle. Ratchet just growled at Clank. That's when it hit him. This lombax is on a warpath. "It would be too late then. I'll throw my favor in if you just move to the side." For once in his life Quark didn't argue with him, but he couldn't just move. On one hand, his approval rating will skyrocket. But on the other hand, he would be betraying Sasha. It should have been a no-brainer, that even he couldn't screw up! But one look into Ratchet's eyes made his decision clear.
Slowly and reluctantly, Quark moved to the side. There was no way he could deal with an angry lombax on his own, he knows first hand the strength he has. Ratchet gave a nod of thanks and pushed the door open. Sasha was sitting at her desk signing papers. She had no meetings, no appointments, just a day to catch up on paperwork. So when the determined lombax walks in with a concerned Clank and Quark tailing him, she knew that today was going to be one to remember.
"Ratchet, to what do I owe this surprise visit?" She asks cautiously. She knew that look in his eyes all too well. She had to make sure her next words and steps were planned carefully. "I want to throw in a couple of favors." This confuses her immensely. The entire time she has ever known Ratchet, he never asks for favors or help. He always finds a way to do it himself. "What favors?" She needed to know what set this lombax off.
"I want you to put Vendra Prog in my care." NO one talked as they stared at the lombax. What he was asking for may seem harmless, but this Prog was the mastermind behind Mr. Eye. This Prog was the only reason why the entire Incident nearly got out of control. "But Ratchet, she-" Quark cut himself off at the glare of passion in the lombax's eyes. "She was manipulated and taken advantaged of." Sasha was frozen where she sat. The last time she saw that kind of fire in his eyes, Veldin was under attack. Someone, somehow, set this lombax into war mode.
"Ratchet, what you're asking for is not simple. She kidnapped someone, nearly destroyed the universe, made up some myth to clear an entire sector, killed innocent lives. And that is all we have on record. Not to mention her powers are unpredictable. We don't know when she will get them again." She tried to reason. But Ratchet was having none of it.
"She was abused in the orphanage. Only had her brother, someone to call family, besides her. Then Mr. Eye came by and offered her everything she ever wanted. She was an innocent orphan who wanted a family and a home. And was willing to do so by any means necessary. I see a woman trying to find her parents. So her and her brother never have to live with the abuse anymore. " Ratchet got right on the desk and put his hands on it. "I see someone who can be saved, the universe sees a psychopathic killer who deserves the death penalty, what do you see?" No one said anything. How could they when Ratchet passionately gave his argument? All they could do was look at Sasha for the final decision.
What Ratchet said got her thinking. All he said was true. How Vendra and Neftin grew up, how Neftin was the only one willing to change. But the choice didn't matter what she thought. She has an entire galaxy full of people to protect that she had to take into account. If Ratchet was wrong, then she released a monster out in the world. If he was right, she can finally have a fresh start she so desperately deserves. She looked into his eyes. She saw the determination to win, the strength to fight until Vendra was in his custody, the fire that promised a long and difficult war.
"Even if I wanted to, there will be a lot of backlashes. Are you prepared to fight for her?" She needed to hear it for herself. "I will do whatever it takes to get her out. I will throw in every favor I have. I will do whatever damn side mission to convince them I can protect her. I will fight the entire fucking universe if that is what it will take. I'll do anything to get her out of that damn hell."
"Miss president?" Everyone turns to Clank. He's the only one brave enough to speak after Ratchet's declaration. "If I may? But I agree with Ratchet, if anyone knows how to help her it's him." Sasha was still unsure though, she doesn't know if she can exactly trust the she-nether. "Why bring this up now? Why not before?" This is what confuses her the most. After three years, Ratchet suddenly wants to step in. And she got even more curious when Ratchet hung his head. "You didn't see what I saw. I never saw someone so broken, waiting for Death. She lost her will to live, her fire to keep fighting. I don't want to save her because I can or because I have to." Ratchet looks u, and for the first time in her life sees inspiration in his eyes. "I want to save her because, at this point, I'm the only one who understands her and knows what she's going through. So please, put her in my care. Let me heal her on Veldin."
"Quark, get the papers." Quark jumps for a minute, thinking everyone forgot about him before he went and did as he was told. "She is under your control, she is not to leave Veldin unless it's an emergency or when I give the okay. Neftin can visit but besides him, no one is to enter the planet. I'll deliver food to you personally, or Brax will." Quark returns with the necessary documents. Although a bit hesitantly, he still handed the papers over. "The reporter will be here in five minutes. Are you positive about this?" But one look at her face answered his question.
Clank slowly made his way to Ratchet, "I know you are positive on this, but what about Miss Talwyn?" This makes him stop for a minute, "I'll deal with that backlash when it comes. The sooner Vendra is free the better." The reporter comes in and the news crew start setting up. "Okay, my name is Darla Garth of Channel 64 news and I will be doing the live with you today. Now is everyone primed and ready?"
"Start the live please," Sasha says as she sits a little straighter. Clank and Ratchet stood to her left at attention. While Quark was to the right looking serious for a change. "OH! Are you sure, do you want to do any prepping and what not?" Garth questions. The entire time she has been a news reporter, they never just jump into it no matter how pre-prepared they were. Sparing a glance towards Ratchet, who still looks determined, "Yes, please do."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vendra was sitting in a wheelchair chained down. She and the other inmates were wheeled in for some reason. She didn't care nor did she mind, it stopped the sessions for now. She knows it won't last forever, that the next session is going to be twice as painful, but for now, she can at least make the most of the situation. Have a little free time before he comes back into her head. The HV in front of the room suddenly turns on the news.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Neftin and Pollyx decided to take a break when the news announced an emergency broadcast by the President herself. "What do you think it's about?" Neftin asks as he poured them both a cup of coffee. Well, more like a bucket for him but still. "There's no telling to be honest. Everything has been calm lately. Your guess is as good as mine." Pollyx replies before he added his sugar. "Your right, I just hope this peace is not the calm before the storm." Pollyx nods, "Let's hope so." The HV turns to the President's room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A teen Tharpod was making her way down to the elders. She just finished rounding everyone up. The president was holding an emergency broadcast, and since they weren't kids anymore, the caretaker decided it was okay for them to watch. "Freak favorite!" Susie fell to the ground straight into the mud. She pushed her helmet up enough to see a couple of older tharpods run off. Ever since she helped Ratchet and his friends at his last adventure, the older tharpods got jealous of her. Especially when the galactic hero kept making special trips to their planet just for her.
That's when the bullying started. Being pushed down, hair pulled, or even being held down when they goop her. But it's alright she tells herself. Because Ratchet got a few more loose ends to tie up before he can adopt her. But in the meantime, she keeps getting back up. And using everything Ratchet taught her to clean up. She quickly makes her way to the center. Pushing her way through, ignoring the glares from the others, she finally makes her way to the front to sit beside the old caretaker. They shared a quick smile before the news started.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello everyone, my name is Darla Grath of Channel 64 news. With me here today are former-President Captain Copernicus Leslie Quark Leader of the Q-Force, Former subordinate of Emperor Percival Tachyon, Former employee of Megacorp, Gadgetron Corporation, Blarg, and former supervillain. President Sasha Phyronix, member of Q-Force and former mayor of Metropolis. General Major Ratchet of the Galaxy, member of Q-Force and Polaris Defense Force, employee of Gadgetron Corporation, Champion of the Agorian Battleplex, Liberator of Dreadzone, Defeater of Emperor Percival Tachyon, former movie star of Secret Agent Clank, savior of 3 galaxies, Protector of Time, Keeper of Dimensions, and beloved hero. And finally, Clank. Employee of Gadgetron Corporation, member of Q-Force and Polaris Defense Force, Keeper of Time, Savior of 3 galaxies, movie star of Secret Agent Clank, Protector of Dimensions, and beloved hero. This emergency broadcast is a surprise to us all, but will soon be explained."
The camera zoomed into Sasha. "Would you please explain yourself, Miss President?" Sasha nods after taking a deep breath. "Of course. Greetings everyone, I'm sorry to interrupt your day but something has come to my attention. I have been told that Vendra Prog, former villain, has not responded to the treatments. She has gotten worse to the point where she awaits Death's call. Even though she cleared the entire Zarkov Sector, kidnapped Pollyx, CEO of Pollyx Industries, and." She hesitated, "And killer of Zepher and Cronk, warbot heroes and veterans. I have decided." She hesitates once more. After locking eyes with Ratchet, her decision was locked down. "I have decided to give her another chance. Vendra Prog undergone manipulation from the previous attack, whom she calls Mr. Eye. Mr. Eye promised her a family, a home, a place to belong. He took advantage of an innocent and vulnerable little girl. She was doing, no doubt, what we all would do in that situation to get back to her family. So on this day, February 20, 5567. I, President Sasha Phyronix, herby sign these papers," She shows release papers to the camera, "Making Vendra Prog free with probation. With Sargent Ratchet of the Galaxy watching over her. She has one year to show change or she will be sent to Yerek Insane Asylum. Her powers have yet to return so I see no extra protection needed. But if her powers do return, she is to wear a power deliberator that will limit her powers to barely a spark." Sasha sat down and grabbed a fountain pen. After one last glance towards Ratchet, she signs the papers. "General Major of the Galaxy, please sign the papers as well." Ratchet does as he was asked and signs the papers. "I hope you know what you are doing. There will be a lot of backlash over this." Sasha warns.
But the look in his eyes never changed nor wavered. "Let them come then." He moves back to his spot as Sasha stands. "Only a select few will know her location. And she will have no other contact outside the select few." She raises the papers for the camera to see. "As of right now, Vendra Prog is now on probation. Sargent Ratchet of the Galaxy may get her whenever he sees fit."
"No need, I'm getting her right now. Thank you for this opportunity, President Sasha." Ratchet gave a salute and walked out with Clank following close behind after grabbing their copies of the forms. "Uhm, yes. That is all for this broadcast. And I thank you for taking time out of your day to see this, I hope everyone has a wonderful day."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ratchet and Clank quickly made it to Aphelion and got in. "I have grabbed the necessary copies to get Miss Vendra out. There is no turning back from this. But do know that just because your actions are unknown to me, I will support you no matter what. "Clank states as they take off. "Thanks, pal." The lombax gives him a smile before his holo-call went off. Sharing one more glance and taking a deep breath, Ratchet answers the call.
"Why wasn't I told about my sister?" Neftin asks. Ratchet and Clank share a confused glance, "What do you mean? Any immediate family is supposed to be informed of said loved ones in Nordoom, President Sasha made that a rule to help stop the inmates from turning insane. They must have a record that you have contacted, given Miss Vendra's separation anxiety." Clank states. Ratchet tries to pay attention as he drives, but he couldn't help the thoughts that ran through his mind.
Like, why didn't Neftin not know anything about his sister? Why was there no contact between them? Does he know what kind of hell she is going through? Out of the corner of his eye though, he sees a clothes store. "Hey Neftin, you know your sister's sizes right? Including bra and underwear?" Neftin is a little thrown off by this, who just asks that kind of question with no remorse? "Yes, but why?"
"I see an outlet mall where they have drive-thru service. I want to make sure Vendra gets a proper fresh start." The lombax makes the necessary movements and enters the drive-thru. "If you'd like, you can put in the new bra and underwear request?" Clank asks. In that moment Ratchet was thankful for Clank. The lombax really did not have a filter sometimes. "Hellow! Welcome to Perywinkles' Boutique! How may we help you?" A model-figure robot asks. The robot had bright pink hair and dark blue eyes. Wearing a neon green dress so low, she should not be working retail.
"Yes, I saw that outfit in the window, the purple dress with leather jacket and boots. I like to buy it please?" The lombax asks as he ignored the way she looked at him. "Of course, and may I know your sizes?" The robot leaned over seductively, "Because I'm sure-"
"Actually! My sister's sizes are small, her shoe size is 5, and she needs a braw and panties! Bra size 32B and indie size 8! And she will needs socks as well, size 5, last 3 requests in black!" This snapped the robo-woman out of her act as she stared at an uncomfortable Neftin on holo-call. "Also, we need it quickly. We're in a rush." Ratchet added. The robot quickly acted and fetched the necessary order. After she left, the lombax physically relaxed, he hated when people acted like her. It brought up a lot of bad memories.
"Damn, does that happen often?" Neftin asks worriedly. No doubt seeing Ratchet freeze. It honestly scared him a little, this lombax has fought Dr. Nefarious twice, Chairman Drek, and even Tachyon for crying out loud. And even then he held his ground as he fought. So for him to freeze like that brought an anger in him he hasn't felt since the orphanage. The anger only got brighter when no one answered him.
Ratchet was trying to pay attention and calm himself down. But nothing was working, all he thought about was all those Tharpods who used to live on Veldin. He couldn't help it, the she-Robot's advances brought back all the times in the past. How they promised to take care of him, how they promised to make sure he never goes hungry again, promised to end the pain every day.
"Ratchet, focus on my voice. Everything is going to be okay. Just remember what we have planned today. We are going to get Miss Vendra out and then go home." This seems to calm Ratchet enough to remember the task at hand. "Alright that would be-"
"I don't care for the price, here." The lombax handed over a special bolts card. "And don't tell me the price-Ratchet looks at Neftin-because I will not have no one pay me back." The sales-bot hands back the card and bag of items, "Please come again!"
Ratchet said nothing and grabbed the items and flew off. "She's been through hell, Neftin. There was so many marks on her and her body. I've never seen such a frail body, not even from planets nearly void of food. There's a high chance she's being abused by those shrinks. Explains why you know nothing about the situation." Neftin says nothing, memories of the orphanage still ran through his head. How they6 called her frail, weak, pathetic. How the girls teamed up and made fun of how scrawny she looked. How they always beat her up because of how she will never find anyone with how pathetic she looks. No matter how hard he tried to protect her.
"Where is she going to be? You have to tell me that much at least." Neftin pleas. If he can't see his sister then he must know she's going to be okay. "Hang on, You're going to cut out for a minute. Entering space." And just like the lombax predicted, Neftin's holo-call cut out for a few moments before staying steady.
"Alright, anyone around you?" Neftin looks around and opens his bio scanner. After checking three times, he decided he was in the clear, "Yeah, it's just me." The lombax nods, "Good. Now you are going to be one of the select few to contact Vendra. She's going to live with me and Clank from now on, on planet Veldin."
Neftin almost gave a cheer, he was finally going to see his sister in over three years. "Sasha won't like this, but you both need this. You are more than welcome to stay on Veldin for as long as you want." Neftin couldn't believe his ears. "Seriously?!" the lombax nods, "You, go ahead and pack your things and meet us on Veldin."
The he-Nether couldn't believe his ears. After zero contact he will finally be able to reunite with his sister. "I will, but I do have a question. Will it be okay for me to leave planet and go to work? They track where we are if we start working in case we get kidnapped," Neftin rubs the back of his head. "Of course, and if you have any problems we'll assign a Ranger to you." The lombax gave him a smile in reassurance. Neftin gives him a smile back, "Okay, I'm going to pack now." And with that Neftin shut the holo-call off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pollyx walks by just in time to see the he-Nether looking so happy, "You find anything on your sister, I presume?" He asks. Neftin just gives him a smile, "Actually, I know I have 5 months saved in vacation days. Can I use 3 months, please?" Pollyx just gave him a knowing grin. The old Terachno figured this was going to come up. "I already made preparations, you can take the full five months if you wish."
Neftin lights up as he grabbed the Terachno in a giant hug. "Thank you so much, sir!" The he-Nether quickly puts his boss down. "I'll finish the samples on this last batch. Then I'll go pack." Pollyx left the room as Neftin worked harder. Yes, Neftin can take the full five months and reconnect with his sister. It's the least can do for the he-Nether getting him this far after all.
_________________________________________
[Polaris Galaxy, Planet Viceron, Prison Nordoom, Main Enterance]
Ratchet just landed and jumped out when he was hounded by reporters. Clank decided to stay on Aphelion to make Vendra some Immune Boosting Miso Soup. Figuring the she-Nether will be hungry. But he did send a Clank Recorder with him.
"General Major of the Galaxy, are you sure you are making the right choice?"
"General Major of the Galaxy, did Vendra manipulate you?"
"General Major of the Galaxy, there are rumors she is faking this entire thing to get free. Captain Apogee even confirmed this in an interview, what is your opinion."
Okay, that last question made him stop. He turned around to search for the reporter but soon turned into an even bigger challenge when they all started to hound him. "Wait a minute, let me speak!" But no one heard him. If anything, he swears they got louder.
But coming to his rescue was the Phynox landing beside his ship. The reporters quickly surrounded the ship when it was safe. Brax, Cora, and Sasha came off and met Ratchet. But there is no way anyone could hear anyone. So Ratchet pushed everyone inside.
As soon as the door closed behind them, the group was met with silence and a group of armed robots. "Please show identifications." And so the four went through the boring process of getting checked in as guests and having their items confiscated. Everything was going off without a hitch until a robot checked Ratchet. "Look, all my weapons are the same from last time I was here, I'll leave it here with you. The only thing I want to take with us is this bag of new clothes." Ratchet says as he hands the bag to the robot to inspect.
Cora walked up to him after she was done getting checked and looked at the bag with a whistle, "Damn Ratchet, Perrywinkle's Boutique? That's high bolts right there -She throws an arm over his shoulder with a smirk- Trying to impress a certain someone, eh?" Brax was right up behind him. "I don't know much about fashion, but even I can tell that is a high brand, man."
"You're all clear, please follow us." Ratchet grabbed his bag and they all made their way to the elevator. "I just want to make sure Vendra got the fresh start she deserves, is all. It has nothing to do with wooing her at all!"
"And there is nothing wrong with that but remember you are to heal her. Not to romance her into a marriage, loverboy." Sasha teased. Everyone got a chuckle at his demise, Ratchet was so thankful of how hard it was to see a blush under his fur. When the elevator doors opened, Ratchet was the first one out, "Well anyways, can you girls dress her? I don't want to freak her out by being there while she changes." The lombax asks as the Robots lead them down the cell.
"Of course-" Sasha cut herself off when she noticed the lack of security. The others noticed as well and quickly raised their guards. Hey, last time I was here there were guards every 5 feet. What happened to them?" Ratchet through his General voice on. The Robots say nothing until they finally made it to the door and froze.
"Sometimes when we guard the cells our minds go blank. Like we have no memory of that time and no record of the orders given. It never happens often though, just on rare occasions so we just assumed it was a glitch. But since Vendra Prog has been assigned here, the glitches happen a lot more. To the point, we go to the doctor after every shift. And every time we come back with nothing wrong with our systems and more questions."
Nobody says anything, just baited onto every word, waiting for the cell to open. "Open the cell, "Sasha ordered. Ratchet passed the bag to Sasha during the Robot's speech. He and Brax was in front of the girls as they waited. The robot in the front does as told and puts the pin in. The Robot pauses, "We truly want to help people live and be able to rehabilitate. But these glitches, they only happen when Dr. Bilinaye and Dr. Proxy meet with their patients. When the sessions are over, the inmate is worse than when they entered." The Robot finally hits enter and steps aside.
Ratchet was the first person to enter and what he saw made him see red. A green Terachnoid just muzzled Vendra, "Damn, bitch. Next session we are definitely pulling your teeth." Another Terachnoid, pink, stood by a machine. Neither noticed their new audience yet. "But Dr. Bilinaye, the General of the Polaris Galaxy is supposed to pick her up. If he finds out what we have been doing to her-" Dr. Bilinaye bitch slapped him.
"He will never find out, Xion. As long as we stick to the script, we will be fine." The green Terachnoid turns to Vendra and caresses the side of her face. A gash was wide open on her head, new or not no one knew anymore, "Besides, who would ever want to save a pathetic Space Slut like her?"
Ratchet couldn't take it anymore. The way they talked to her, treated her, it was enough to make him murder the Terachnoids and take Vendra far away from there. Vendra has not moved at this time. She was stripped of all clothing, including her underwear, showing off how thin she was and all the bruises she possessed. Scratches ran all over her body as blood slowly seeped out of the cuts and formed a puddle underneath her.
The constant twitching made the chains on her rattle every so often. It was clear she was fighting conscious as she turned her head towards the door. Tears started to come out, whether out of pain or happiness, when she laid her eyes on Ratchet. He came back for her, just like he said. He even brought people with him, and that alone made Vendra almost beam with hope once more. She didn't care if they are only here for fame, bragging rights, exposure, or just genuinely wanting to save her. Because her savior finally came to sweep her away from the hell she was forced into.
Ratchet finally acted when his eyes met Vendra's, burning with hope and pure relief. and grabbed the gree Terachnoid and slammed him into the nearby wall, enough to make it crack. Brax took out the pink Terachnoid by lifting him by his neck. Sasha quickly made her way to Vendra with Cora right at her side.
The muzzle was the first to come off and Vendra finally took deep breaths of air. Curious about the reaction, Sasha turned the mask in her hand to reveal that it was specially engineered to cut off air. "We need two sets of handcuffs," Ratchet ordered the nearest Robot. But Vendra was quick to add hastily, "Three. Need three. There's three. Of them. Under. Bed." Vendra started to wheeze into a coughing fit.
Sasha was the first to help her get her breath back. As Cora reached under the bed and pulled another pink Terachnoid out. "You damn woman! I demand you let me down right now, I didn't do anything!" The terachnoid struggled. Cora gave him a smirk and did what he asked, and quickly pinned him to the floor. "You incompetent woman! Can't you follow simple instructions without screwing anything up?!" The terachnoid was starting to really push his luck. "Oops! Sorry, you know how us incompetent women are. Can't do anything right. Let me fix my mistake then," Cora picked him up once more and slammed him hard enough to crack the floor.
Meanwhile, Sasha has busied herself with unchaining Vendra. "Hey, I know we never met properly but my name is Sasha Phyronix. I'm sorry we met like this, but the second encounter is what truly matters right?" Sasha knew she was rambling at this point, seeing how Vendra could barely form any words. But she had to keep her awake at any cost. The cezar feared what would happen if anything was to happen to her if she was no longer here.
The robots were quick as they took the three terachnoids to a cell. One of the Robots walked up to Ratchet and handed him Nanotech. Ratchet just gave him a nod, his mind elsewhere, and quickly made his way to Vendra's side.
The sudden movement made Vendra look at him, still not believing he's real. that all of this is a dream and Death has finally claimed her. But as soon as Ratchet moved her hair out of her face and gently started to apply nanotech to her gash, she knew otherwise. This was real and her savior has finally come to claim her.
"Hey, I told you so. -Ratchet chuckles when Vendra rolls her eyes the best she can- We're going to clean you up now, okay? Got some nanotech so we can fix the major damages. Even went out and bought you a new outfit I think you'll like. So what do you say Vendra, you ready to start your new life?"
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Forgot to mention that this is the picture I am using in finding my way around the Polaris Galaxy. It's the only full map I can find and if anyone else can help me understand this thing or have another picture I can use, please send help. This map is such a pain. But I will have more coming soon, so stick around!
